Three Symptoms That Should Warrant A Quick Visit To Your Optometrist

Regardless of whether or not you wear glasses, it's beneficial to schedule an appointment with your optometrist every two years. Consulting this vision expert with this frequency means that you'll be privy to any minor changes in your eyesight that should dictate a change in your glasses prescription -- or, if you don't currently wear glasses, a recommendation that you use corrective lenses at least during certain situations. While it's important to visit the optometrist every two years, you shouldn't hesitate to book an appointment before your next scheduled checkup if you detect a concerning eye-related symptom. Your eye doctor will be able to look at the issue and, if it's serious, catch it before it leads to major complications. Here are three symptoms to watch for. 

Pupil Size Changes

While it's common for your pupils to change sizes as you adjust from being in the dark to the light, it's a concern if you notice that one pupil is consistently larger or smaller than the other. This visual symptom is often a sign of a serious health issue. For example, issues such as a tumour can impact the ability of your blood to flow to your eyes, which can result in a change in the size of either of your pupils. Based on his or her observation, your optometrist will be able to assess the situation and send you to a specialist who can check for the cause.

Swollen Eyes

You won't be able to miss the fact that your eyes are swollen -- this condition leads to irritation around your eyes and can often make your eyes feel tired. Swollen eyes are commonly a symptom of allergies. Although your optometrist isn't trained to treat allergies, it's important that you schedule an appointment so that he or she can check your eyes to confirm the swelling isn't a symptom of something else. For example, if you have a chronic infection issue, you'll often experience symptoms such as swelling.

Flashing Lights

A sudden occurrence of flashing lights can be a major concern. This issue is often symptomatic of a fully or partially detached retina. If you don't act quickly upon noticing this symptom, you're at risk of suffering severe vision loss in the affected eye. Get to an eye doctor (such as Dr Gary Wetmore Optometry) right away so that he or she can evaluate you, determine that you indeed have a detached retina and then arrange the necessary corrective procedure to restore your vision.


Share